2009 NBA All-Star Game Event Guide

The US Airways Center (formerly known as the America West Arena) is a sports arena located in Phoenix, Arizona. The arena opened in 1992, and since then has been the home of the Phoenix Suns, the Phoenix Mercury, the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League, and the Phoenix Roadrunners of the ECHL. Thus, basketball, arena football and hockey are all played at the arena, in addition to concerts, ice shows, professional wrestling and many other events. The arena changed its name from America West Arena to its current moniker after America West mergered with US Airways.

The arena began construction in 1988, when Jerry Colangelo decided a new playing facility was needed to replace Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The new arena was opened to a 111-105 Suns win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Winnipeg Jets moved into the arena as the Phoenix Coyotes for the 1996-97 season, and the arena was retrofitted for hockey. However, the transition from basketball arena to hockey arena was not without its drawbacks, as several thousand seats had obstructed views of the net after the retrofitting. The Coyotes would move to the Jobing.com Arena in Glendale for the 2003-04 season.

The US Airways Center is located just down the road from Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Center has hosted a plethora of events, including the 1995 NBA All-Star game. The US Airways Center is currently scheduled to host the 2009 NBA All-Star Game.

Parking passes for the NBA All-Star game are currently unavailable at TicketCity. For more parking information, as well as a map of downtown Phoenix, please visit the US Airways parking and directions page. Any parking inquiries you have can be answered if you call the US Airways Center at (602) 462-6066.

Attractions:

Heard Museum 2301 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 252-8848

The Heard Museum located in Phoenix is housed in a gorgeous Spanish colonial-style facility, with beautiful fountains and sculptures surrounding the building. There are more than 32,000 ethnographic objects that reside here, narrating a rich history of the Zuni, Hopi, Navaho and Apache Native American tribes. At the museum, you will be able to view examples of finely-crafted pottery, rugs, jewelry and paintings. One of the biggest annual events held at the museum is the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest held each February. Come visit this exquisite display of Native American history and culture, and you will be enraptured with its beauty.

Piestewa Peak 2701 E Squaw Peak Dr Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 262-7901

Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak, is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. The peak is 2,608 ft. tall, and the elevation gain from the summit trail is 1,190 ft. Piestewa peak is the perfect getaway for the outdoorsmen in the family, especially for an early morning or late afternoon cardio session. The trail is long enough to get your heart pumping, so make sure to bring some water and snacks if you plan to go the distance. At the very top, there are spectacular views of the entire city of Phoenix, and there are many photo opportunities during the entire climb. Put on your hiking shoes and remember - pack out what you pack in.

This former furniture warehouse sure has turned a leaf. Located just up the road from the US Airways Center and Chase Field, it is an easy walk away from your game date. If you are looking for some tasty ritas and some really good food prior to the game, then this is the place to be. The space also functions as a music venue, with a spacious outdoor stage. Huge video screens light up the bar, and Alice Cooper paraphernalia and memorabilia accent the rock-and-roll interior. School's out!

Wild Thaiger 2631 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 241-8995

Wild Thaiger is an incredibly affordable Thai food restaurant located in downtown Phoenix. The restaurant itself is not the posh, velvet-lined interiors of the five star types, but the food is definitely exquisite. If you are looking for some excellent curries, delectable lemongrass and coconut milk creations, then Wild Thaiger is the perfect place for you. Try the pad Thai for a special treat, as it is the best in town. Wild Thaiger is a perfect pre-game dining experience, due to its affordability, great food and excellent presentation. There is even an expansive patio available for those who love to eat outdoors.

If you're in the mood for some live music, then Sugar Daddy's is the place for you. The huge outdoor patio serves up live music 7 days a week, making this an excellent venue to prowl. The parking can be a little tricky, as the parking lot is often hard to see from the main road. Sugar Daddy's is the perfect vibe for the post-work crowd, and even the post-game crowd. Food is served here, though don't expect it to be four star quality – just your typical pub grub. Make way for some cold drinks, a groovy vibe, and a good time.

Coach & Willie's 412 S Third St Phoenix, AZ 85004-2504 (602) 254-5272

If you're looking for a good all-around oasis to kick-it, then Coach and Willie's is the place. This bar, which sits in the shadow of nearby Chase Field, serves up some of the stiffest drinks and caters to every beer fan with a wide variety of beers on tap. The food her is top notch, and if you are hungry after the game, it might be a good idea to wait and grab a bite here (where it will cost you less than it would at the arena or ballpark). They also serve low-carb items for those watching their figure. All-in-all, this is the place to hang after the game.

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